What is Leak Detection?
Leak detection is the process of identifying and locating sources of leaks in various industries. This includes pipelines, vessels, and other equipment that can cause significant damage if not addressed promptly.
Applications of Leak Detection
- Petrochemicals: To prevent fires and environmental disasters caused by leaks in oil refineries, storage tanks, and pipelines.
- Power Generation: To detect and mitigate gas releases from power plant boilers and turbines.
- Agriculture: To prevent soil contamination and water pollution due to fertilizer and pesticide spills.
Leak Detection Methods
There are several methods used in leak detection, including:
- Acoustic Emission (AE) sensors: Use sound waves to detect leaks.
- Infrared thermography (IRT): Measures temperature differences between the inside and outside of a system.
- Capillary pressure measurement: Measures the difference in pressure between two surfaces.